Characteristics of Enzyme Catalysis
High efficiency One molecule of an enzyme may transform one million molecule of reactant per minute .
Highly specific nature Each enzyme catalyst cannot catalyse more than one reaction .
Optimum temperature Enzyme catalyst gives higher yield at optimum temperature i . e ., at 298-310 K . Human body temperature , i . e ., at being 310 K is suited for enzyme catalysed reactions .
Optimum pH The rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction is maximum at optimum pH range 5 to 7 .
Activators Activators like ions such as Na + , Ca 2 + , Mn 2 + help in the activation of enzymes which cannot act on their own strength .
Co-enzyme Co-enzymes are the substance having nature similar to the enzyme and their presence increases the enzyme activity . Mostly vitamins act as co-enzymes .
Effect of Inhibitors Inhibitors slow down the rate of enzymatic reaction . The use of many drugs is based on enzyme inhibition action of those drugs in the body .